Steamboat Delta Queen Hotel Expands The steamboat Delta Queen is now open daily as the Delta Queen Hotel at Coolidge Park.
Overnight hotel guests and visitors from the public may enjoy a wide range of entertainment programming including mainstage shows, lounge music, magic acts, prize poker tournaments, guided tours of the boat
and a historical lecture series, officials said.
“The Delta Queen continues the great American tradition of showboats with real riverboat-style entertainment,” said Sydney Slome, proprietor of the Delta Queen Hotel. “This is a wonderful opportunity for everyone to experience the unique ambiance of the country's last overnight paddlewheel steamboat and an 82-year-old National Historic Landmark.”
In the great tradition of showboats, the Delta Queen's Orleans Showroom will feature a series of Mainstage Shows. Thursday night shows are $15 and cocktail service will be available. Friday and Saturday performances provide an opportunity to enjoy a pre-show dinner. Dinner seating begins at 6:30 p.m. and includes a delicious three-course meal with a choice of entree, a glass of wine, and the mainstage show for $35, plus tax and gratuity.
Reservations are required for the dinner show package. Show-only tickets will be available at the door or by reservation for $15. All shows begin at 8pm. Reservations may be made by calling 423 468-4500.
Veteran riverboat performers Laura Sable and Bill Wiemuth have spent a decade performing aboard river cruise vessels including the Delta Queen. They have created customized riverboat-style shows including:
“Delta Queen: A Musical Journey” is a show specifically written to feature the stories and songs of the Delta Queen.
“Showboat Serenade” is a salute to the showboats and music of America's rivers including everything from the songs of Stephen Foster to selections from the musical “Show Boat” to
modern river songs like “Proud Mary.”
“Oh, Lady, Be Good” is a Tribute to the Great Ladies of Song featuring the signature tunes of such famous singers as Judy Garland, Ella Fitzgerald, Patsy Cline, Bessie Smith and Peggy Lee.
PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE:
Thursday, July 2
Delta Queen: A Musical Journey
Show Only at 8 p.m.
Friday, July 3
Showboat Serenade
Dinner 6:30 p.m, Show 8 p.m.
Thurs., July 9
Showboat Serenade
Show Only at 8 p.m.
Friday, July 10
Delta Queen: A Musical Journey
Dinner 6:30 p.m., Show 8 p.m.
Thursday, July 16
Oh, Lady, Be Good
Show Only at 8 p.m.
Friday, July 17
Showboat Serenade
Dinner 6:30 p.m., Show 8 p.m.
Saturday, July 18
Delta Queen: A Musical Journey
Dinner 6:30 p.m., Show 8 p.m.
Friday, July 24
Oh, Lady, Be Good
Dinner 6:30 p.m., Show 8 p.m.
Saturday, July 25
Delta Queen: A Musical Journey
Dinner 6:30 p.m., Show 8 p.m.
LOUNGE ENTERTAINMENT
The Delta Queen's Texas Lounge opens at 4pm daily. Each Tuesday through Saturday evening, the lounge will feature elegant and festive entertainment highlighting musical styles ranging from jazz standards to country and from folk to Broadway.
RIVERBOAT GAMBLER CARD MAGIC
A riverboat gambler will perform card magic with a historical twist at 5:30pm each Wednesday through Saturday. This is fun for the whole family and freeto the public and hotel guests.
TEXAS HOLD 'EM PRIZE POKER TOURNAMENTS
A no-limit Texas Hold 'Em poker tournament will be held each Tuesday. Prizes will be awarded to the top three winners. Registration opens at 6pm to the first 30 players. Participants must be age 21 or older.
THE DELTA QUEEN STEAM WHISTLE AND STEAM-POWERED CALLIOPE
Blasts from the Delta Queen's steam whistle and a performance on the calliope (steam-powered organ) will be featured at 5 p.m. each Tuesday through Saturday.
GUIDED VESSEL TOURS
Visitors also can enjoy a guided vessel tour at 4:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday to learn more
about the amazing career of the Delta Queen. These tours are $8 for adults, $4 for children 12 and under. Overnight hotel guests may make advance reservations upon check-in and visitors from the general public may purchase any remaining tickets beginning at 4 p.m. each day.
RIVER HISTORY PRESENTATION SERIES
On three Saturdays in July at 3:30p.m., river historian Bil l Wiemuth will deliver a presentation
from his River History Series in the Delta Queen's Orleans Room. Guests will enjoy an entertaining opportunity to learn more about the tales of the river and its colorful characters.
These presentations are free to the public and overnight hotel guests.
Mark Twain and the Rivers on July 11
The Greatest Steamboat Adventure on July 18
The Life and Times of the Steamboat "Delta Queen" on July 25
AMISSION
The Delta Queen Hotel embarks arriving hotel guest at 3 p.m. daily. The Hotel opens to visitors from the public at 4 p.m. daily. Visitors who are not overnight guests may board the vessel daily between 4 p.m. and 11 p.m. with the purchase of a $5 admission ticket. That ticket is redeemable onboard for a $5 credit toward any purchase of tour or show tickets, beverages, or souvenirs.
PARKING
The Delta Queen offers valet parking for a charge of $15 per day with unlimited in and out privileges.
CHATTANOOGA WATER TAXI SERVICE
Visitors also can park on the south side of the river and take the Chattanooga Water Taxi to the Delta Queen. Weather permitting, the Water Taxi is currently running on Fridays: 4pm - Sunset and Saturdays and Sundays: noon - Sunset. The cost is $6 for adults and $4 for children, 12 and under. Call 423 756-5060 for further Water Taxi schedule information.
For more information, schedules, and reservations, call (423) 468-4500 or visit www.DeltaQueenHotel.com.